Louise lived at Sunnyslope Condominiums and was looked after by many close friends and admirers, Meals on Wheels and her neighbors. Louise was a sweet and conscientious giver and receiver; she liked life, and life liked her. Louise gratefully began receiving hospice care when she was 101 and was experiencing her first physical pain. Her hospice team were very focused on treatment the way Louise wanted it, and she clearly made her own decisions.

I, personally, appreciate her team for its daily and weekly support for seven months. That team includes medical director, Dr. Lauren Loftis, social worker Miko Myer, chaplain David Clark, nurses Roxanne Ader and Pat Amthor, health aids Susan Caudle and Heidi Crider and volunteer Diane Sadler.

At the recommendation of her hospice team, Louise spent her last month at Cottonwood Inn Rehabilitation and Extended Care Center. Cottonwood Inn is a new state-of-the-art and professionally staffed extended-care and rehabilitation center close to the hospital in Three Springs. Hospice continued to provide treatment and worked collaborative with Cottonwood staff. Having remained mentally alert and wise, Louise was chairwoman of her team and her members provided care as she directed.

I appreciate the Cottonwood staff for their openness, competence, appreciation of each patient’s individuality and ability to work with directions from Louise, her family and hospice. Louise had a fall four days before she died, and hospice and the Cottonwood nursing staff members were excellent with pain management. Louise had the death she wanted. Louise’s sons agreed that Louise made the right decision to live and die independently in Durango.

Susan McGinness

Durango